http://ncaabbs.com/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:29:33 -0600 MyBB http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=371143 Wed, 27 May 2009 16:05:25 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=371143 http://www.wvupressbox.com/]]> http://www.wvupressbox.com/]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=244878 Sat, 11 Aug 2007 16:39:11 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=244878
Let's Goooo Mountaineers!!!!!!!]]>
Let's Goooo Mountaineers!!!!!!!]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=235706 Thu, 31 May 2007 08:40:00 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=235706 Huggins on his travels, roster and coming home
May 31, 2007
By Mitch Vingle - Sports Editor

http://wvgazette.com/section/Sports/Mitc...2007053030

MORGANTOWN - New West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins leaned back in the restaurant booth for a breather.

He’d driven from Cleveland, where he was scheduled to huddle with LeBron James’ people. He’d made some rounds in Mountaineer Land. Then it was back to Cleveland for the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals.

Major college coaches aren’t frequent fliers. They’re incessant. Today, Huggins and wife June - as well as the whole WVU athletic contingent - will be in Charleston for the 25th WVU Classic at Berry Hills. It’s one of 11 Mountaineer Athletic Club stops over May and June ranging from Shepherdstown to Houston.

“Just running around trying to see people,’’ Huggins said. “Any time you make a change you have to go reacquaint yourself with different people and areas. Really I’m just trying to get out and meet the people in the state of West Virginia who are so good to the Mountaineer athletic program.’’

He paused.

“Then just doing my normal stuff.’’

Yes, there’s more.

“I think I’ve done six Nike clinics,’’ Huggins said. “That’s what I’ve been doing on weekends. That and speaking [engagements].’’

There’s also the basketball team he coaches. And a little thing called recruiting.

“This is a dead period, so we can’t really get out and recruit,’’ Huggins said. “We can’t talk to high school coaches or prospects. But you don’t ever really stop. Now we’re trying to figure out who is playing where. Which players are with the Nike group, the Reebok group, the adidas group, where they’re going to be, whether they’re going to be with the top-100 groups of each. If they’re not, where their AAU groups are going to be. You try to get organized for July.’’

When things really get busy.

* * *

When Huggins first arrived at WVU a little over a month ago, immediate speculation was he’d get out the broom in order to tailor the Mountaineers to his style of play.

He ended that speculation, though, pointing to his WVU playing days that included a coaching change. And today 12 of the 13 on the roster remain John Beilein recruits.

“I just don’t [jettison players],’’ Huggins said. “I’ve never done that. You can go look everywhere I’ve ever been.

“Now, certainly, after we get going, some kids say, ‘I can’t play like this,’ or ‘This is too hard,’ or whatever and leave on their own. But I don’t ever chase anybody away.’’

* * *

It’s said you can’t go home again. Huggins, though, seems to be disproving that theory. He said he’s seen tons of familiar faces, including close friend and ex-teammate Warren Baker, since returning to West Virginia.

“A bunch,’’ said the coach. “Growing up here and going to school here I met a lot of people at a real early age and stay in close contact with them. Bake and I have stayed close the whole way through. I jokingly tell him I should claim him on my income tax.

“This is an amazing place. It’s like a time warp - only everybody has aged. I look at people and say, ‘Man, you’re a lot older than what I remember.’ Then I look in the mirror and say, ‘Wow, so am I.’

“It’s a testament to what a wonderful place it is. People don’t want to go anywhere else. I’ve been in a lot of places where people can’t wait to get out. Here, people love it and don’t want to go.’’

* * *

Huggins had more than business interests in Cleveland. One of his former Cincinnati players, Jason Maxiell, is making a name for himself in the Eastern finals as a Detroit forward.

The 26th pick in the 2005 draft, Maxiell had a breakout game with 15 points and six rebounds in Game 2 of the series. He had 12 points in Game 1 of the Chicago series.

“Max is a great kid,’’ Huggins said. “And [although listed as 6-foot-7] he’s no bigger than 6-51/2. We measured him every year when he was at Cincinnati. Six-foot-51/2. And to play power forward in the NBA at that size, to do what he does - block shots and change shots and rebound the ball - tells you what a great kid he is.

“He’s one of the few guys I’ve ever had who came in on Day 1 not knowing how to work hard, look around, see everyone else and say, ‘I guess that’s what I’m supposed to do.’ I never had to rant and rave with him.’’

Huggins, by the way, has coached a jaw-dropping 18 NBA players.

To contact sports editor Mitch Vingle, send e-mail to mitchvingle@wvgazette.com or call (304) 348-4827.]]> Huggins on his travels, roster and coming home
May 31, 2007
By Mitch Vingle - Sports Editor

http://wvgazette.com/section/Sports/Mitc...2007053030

MORGANTOWN - New West Virginia basketball coach Bob Huggins leaned back in the restaurant booth for a breather.

He’d driven from Cleveland, where he was scheduled to huddle with LeBron James’ people. He’d made some rounds in Mountaineer Land. Then it was back to Cleveland for the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals.

Major college coaches aren’t frequent fliers. They’re incessant. Today, Huggins and wife June - as well as the whole WVU athletic contingent - will be in Charleston for the 25th WVU Classic at Berry Hills. It’s one of 11 Mountaineer Athletic Club stops over May and June ranging from Shepherdstown to Houston.

“Just running around trying to see people,’’ Huggins said. “Any time you make a change you have to go reacquaint yourself with different people and areas. Really I’m just trying to get out and meet the people in the state of West Virginia who are so good to the Mountaineer athletic program.’’

He paused.

“Then just doing my normal stuff.’’

Yes, there’s more.

“I think I’ve done six Nike clinics,’’ Huggins said. “That’s what I’ve been doing on weekends. That and speaking [engagements].’’

There’s also the basketball team he coaches. And a little thing called recruiting.

“This is a dead period, so we can’t really get out and recruit,’’ Huggins said. “We can’t talk to high school coaches or prospects. But you don’t ever really stop. Now we’re trying to figure out who is playing where. Which players are with the Nike group, the Reebok group, the adidas group, where they’re going to be, whether they’re going to be with the top-100 groups of each. If they’re not, where their AAU groups are going to be. You try to get organized for July.’’

When things really get busy.

* * *

When Huggins first arrived at WVU a little over a month ago, immediate speculation was he’d get out the broom in order to tailor the Mountaineers to his style of play.

He ended that speculation, though, pointing to his WVU playing days that included a coaching change. And today 12 of the 13 on the roster remain John Beilein recruits.

“I just don’t [jettison players],’’ Huggins said. “I’ve never done that. You can go look everywhere I’ve ever been.

“Now, certainly, after we get going, some kids say, ‘I can’t play like this,’ or ‘This is too hard,’ or whatever and leave on their own. But I don’t ever chase anybody away.’’

* * *

It’s said you can’t go home again. Huggins, though, seems to be disproving that theory. He said he’s seen tons of familiar faces, including close friend and ex-teammate Warren Baker, since returning to West Virginia.

“A bunch,’’ said the coach. “Growing up here and going to school here I met a lot of people at a real early age and stay in close contact with them. Bake and I have stayed close the whole way through. I jokingly tell him I should claim him on my income tax.

“This is an amazing place. It’s like a time warp - only everybody has aged. I look at people and say, ‘Man, you’re a lot older than what I remember.’ Then I look in the mirror and say, ‘Wow, so am I.’

“It’s a testament to what a wonderful place it is. People don’t want to go anywhere else. I’ve been in a lot of places where people can’t wait to get out. Here, people love it and don’t want to go.’’

* * *

Huggins had more than business interests in Cleveland. One of his former Cincinnati players, Jason Maxiell, is making a name for himself in the Eastern finals as a Detroit forward.

The 26th pick in the 2005 draft, Maxiell had a breakout game with 15 points and six rebounds in Game 2 of the series. He had 12 points in Game 1 of the Chicago series.

“Max is a great kid,’’ Huggins said. “And [although listed as 6-foot-7] he’s no bigger than 6-51/2. We measured him every year when he was at Cincinnati. Six-foot-51/2. And to play power forward in the NBA at that size, to do what he does - block shots and change shots and rebound the ball - tells you what a great kid he is.

“He’s one of the few guys I’ve ever had who came in on Day 1 not knowing how to work hard, look around, see everyone else and say, ‘I guess that’s what I’m supposed to do.’ I never had to rant and rave with him.’’

Huggins, by the way, has coached a jaw-dropping 18 NBA players.

To contact sports editor Mitch Vingle, send e-mail to mitchvingle@wvgazette.com or call (304) 348-4827.]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=235704 Thu, 31 May 2007 08:36:04 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=235704 Celebrating 25 Classic years
http://wvgazette.com/section/Sports/2007052926

When Mountaineer fans gather at Berry Hills, the memories are sure to flow
May 30, 2007
By Mitch Vingle - Sports Editor

Connie Boardman, the office manager at Berry Hills, remembers well one of the WVU Classics held in the mid-1980s.

Hot Rod Hundley, the former Mountaineer basketball star and current Utah Jazz broadcaster, was one of several who decided to retire to the men’s locker room after the event’s pairings party for a few hands of cards.

The few hands turned into much more. So much more that the club’s staff left the players on their own around midnight.

The next morning, Boardman showed up for work around 7 a.m. And found the group still in the locker room.

Asleep on the benches.

Undaunted, but presumably a bit hung over, Hundley and company showered, changed clothes and hit the course.

* * *

The WVU Classic, which will again be held at Berry Hills on Thursday and Friday, is now in its 25th year. According to chairman Jack Cipoletti, net proceeds for Mountaineer athletics have reached somewhere between $1.1 million to $1.2 million.

But while the kick to WVU’s athletic department makes Cipoletti proud, the memories are what make him smile.

* * *

In the Classic’s first year, committee member Bobby Gwynne was responsible for securing automobiles as prizes for anyone who could record a hole-in-one on each of the course’s five par-3s.

Well, Gwynne could only secure four, so he suggested skipping No. 14, which demanded a long shot over a ravine.

The bad news for Gwynne was one of the golfers scored an ace on No. 14. The worse news was that golfer was Gwynne. Reports are his wife at the time was not happy about the turn of events. At all.

* * *

The Classic was started in 1982. Vic Green, Lawson Hamilton and the “Downtown Coaches’’ had attended a similar fundraiser for the Duke Childrens Hospital and thought of their favorite charity - Mountaineer athletics.

The original objective was to raise funds for endowments for then-football coach Don Nehlen and then-basketball coach Gale Catlett. After those were funded, the proceeds have gone toward scholarships.

Green chaired the first event, Denver Rawlings the second and Cipoletti the following 23.

* * *

Volunteeer Judy Romano has helped with the event since Green started it. She remembers when Jim Braxton, “a mountain of a man,’’ attended after retiring from the NFL, where he carved a niche as O.J. Simpson’s main blocker.

Well, on the first hole, Braxton, now deceased, pulled out a 4-wood and drove the 330-yard par 4. Later, the courtesy drivers who transported the celebrities between the Marriott and Berry Hills found out from where Braxton’s drew his strength.

In the middle of the night he would send them out for “a bag of cheeseburgers.’’

* * *

A typical field at the Classic is 100 golfers and 25 WVU team captains, which includes the coaches, or 25 fivesomes. A blind draw is held on the Thursday night before the scramble at the pairings party.

* * *

Geoff Christian, a current member of the Classic committee, was paired with then-WVU, now-Michigan basketball coach John Beilein. It was Beilein’s first year as the Mountaineer coach.

Not much of a golfer, Beilein proclaimed as much to Christian and his partners.

“We don’t want you to be a good golfer,’’ Christian said. “We want you to be a good basketball coach.’’

After six holes, the team hadn’t used any of Beilein’s shots in the scramble, prompting Christian to put his arm around the newbie and say, “You must be a real good basketball coach.’’

Toward the end, Christian fired off his coup de grace.

“You have to be the Big East coach of the year.’’

* * *

The goal of securing funds for WVU is taken seriously by Cipoletti and his committee, which this year consists of Cipoletti’s son, Jay, Tim Humphrey, Dale Clowser and Jim Strawn. The Mountaineer Athletic Club pitches in the help of Niles Eggleston, Jan Runner, Gary McPherson and Whit Babcock. Brad Howe represents the WVU athletic department.

The atmosphere, however, is relaxed. The elder Cipoletti calls it a “reunion atmosphere.’’ The coaches get to bring their wives. They stay over instead of playing golf and buzzing back to Morgantown. A fashion show is held, open to the public, and it has become quite popular.

* * *

One year, Hollywood star Nick Nolte attended the event. And apparently had loads of fun.

The Berry Hills staff remembers that Nolte was one of the last to leave the club after the pairings party.

Well, upon arriving at the Marriott, Nolte wanted to tip the courtesy car driver, but didn’t have his wallet or any cash.

So he gave the driver his Rolex watch.

* * *

Thursday’s Classic is completely booked. A four-player Gold package went for $2,100. A single amateur entry cost $650. In addition, there were hole sponsors ($250 a hole).

Cipoletti and crew are working on their next $1 million for Mountaineer scholarships.

And more Classic memories for those who attend.

To contact staff writer Mitch Vingle, use e-mail or call (304) 348-4827.]]> Celebrating 25 Classic years
http://wvgazette.com/section/Sports/2007052926

When Mountaineer fans gather at Berry Hills, the memories are sure to flow
May 30, 2007
By Mitch Vingle - Sports Editor

Connie Boardman, the office manager at Berry Hills, remembers well one of the WVU Classics held in the mid-1980s.

Hot Rod Hundley, the former Mountaineer basketball star and current Utah Jazz broadcaster, was one of several who decided to retire to the men’s locker room after the event’s pairings party for a few hands of cards.

The few hands turned into much more. So much more that the club’s staff left the players on their own around midnight.

The next morning, Boardman showed up for work around 7 a.m. And found the group still in the locker room.

Asleep on the benches.

Undaunted, but presumably a bit hung over, Hundley and company showered, changed clothes and hit the course.

* * *

The WVU Classic, which will again be held at Berry Hills on Thursday and Friday, is now in its 25th year. According to chairman Jack Cipoletti, net proceeds for Mountaineer athletics have reached somewhere between $1.1 million to $1.2 million.

But while the kick to WVU’s athletic department makes Cipoletti proud, the memories are what make him smile.

* * *

In the Classic’s first year, committee member Bobby Gwynne was responsible for securing automobiles as prizes for anyone who could record a hole-in-one on each of the course’s five par-3s.

Well, Gwynne could only secure four, so he suggested skipping No. 14, which demanded a long shot over a ravine.

The bad news for Gwynne was one of the golfers scored an ace on No. 14. The worse news was that golfer was Gwynne. Reports are his wife at the time was not happy about the turn of events. At all.

* * *

The Classic was started in 1982. Vic Green, Lawson Hamilton and the “Downtown Coaches’’ had attended a similar fundraiser for the Duke Childrens Hospital and thought of their favorite charity - Mountaineer athletics.

The original objective was to raise funds for endowments for then-football coach Don Nehlen and then-basketball coach Gale Catlett. After those were funded, the proceeds have gone toward scholarships.

Green chaired the first event, Denver Rawlings the second and Cipoletti the following 23.

* * *

Volunteeer Judy Romano has helped with the event since Green started it. She remembers when Jim Braxton, “a mountain of a man,’’ attended after retiring from the NFL, where he carved a niche as O.J. Simpson’s main blocker.

Well, on the first hole, Braxton, now deceased, pulled out a 4-wood and drove the 330-yard par 4. Later, the courtesy drivers who transported the celebrities between the Marriott and Berry Hills found out from where Braxton’s drew his strength.

In the middle of the night he would send them out for “a bag of cheeseburgers.’’

* * *

A typical field at the Classic is 100 golfers and 25 WVU team captains, which includes the coaches, or 25 fivesomes. A blind draw is held on the Thursday night before the scramble at the pairings party.

* * *

Geoff Christian, a current member of the Classic committee, was paired with then-WVU, now-Michigan basketball coach John Beilein. It was Beilein’s first year as the Mountaineer coach.

Not much of a golfer, Beilein proclaimed as much to Christian and his partners.

“We don’t want you to be a good golfer,’’ Christian said. “We want you to be a good basketball coach.’’

After six holes, the team hadn’t used any of Beilein’s shots in the scramble, prompting Christian to put his arm around the newbie and say, “You must be a real good basketball coach.’’

Toward the end, Christian fired off his coup de grace.

“You have to be the Big East coach of the year.’’

* * *

The goal of securing funds for WVU is taken seriously by Cipoletti and his committee, which this year consists of Cipoletti’s son, Jay, Tim Humphrey, Dale Clowser and Jim Strawn. The Mountaineer Athletic Club pitches in the help of Niles Eggleston, Jan Runner, Gary McPherson and Whit Babcock. Brad Howe represents the WVU athletic department.

The atmosphere, however, is relaxed. The elder Cipoletti calls it a “reunion atmosphere.’’ The coaches get to bring their wives. They stay over instead of playing golf and buzzing back to Morgantown. A fashion show is held, open to the public, and it has become quite popular.

* * *

One year, Hollywood star Nick Nolte attended the event. And apparently had loads of fun.

The Berry Hills staff remembers that Nolte was one of the last to leave the club after the pairings party.

Well, upon arriving at the Marriott, Nolte wanted to tip the courtesy car driver, but didn’t have his wallet or any cash.

So he gave the driver his Rolex watch.

* * *

Thursday’s Classic is completely booked. A four-player Gold package went for $2,100. A single amateur entry cost $650. In addition, there were hole sponsors ($250 a hole).

Cipoletti and crew are working on their next $1 million for Mountaineer scholarships.

And more Classic memories for those who attend.

To contact staff writer Mitch Vingle, use e-mail or call (304) 348-4827.]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=73268 Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:42:49 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=73268 http://www.ncaabbs.com/forums/bigeast/ph...hp?t=24112]]> http://www.ncaabbs.com/forums/bigeast/ph...hp?t=24112]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=72120 Sat, 10 Feb 2007 07:29:43 -0600 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=72120

I see some profiles here that I recognize from BGN.

ICE750 is one. ]]>

I see some profiles here that I recognize from BGN.

ICE750 is one. ]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=70445 Sat, 09 Dec 2006 01:22:51 -0600 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=70445 ]]> ]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=70417 Fri, 08 Dec 2006 01:45:38 -0600 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=70417
It was nice while it lasted but, I would rather have a coach that knew how to be truthful than one that lies.]]>
It was nice while it lasted but, I would rather have a coach that knew how to be truthful than one that lies.]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=68206 Tue, 26 Sep 2006 12:31:56 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=68206
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR VOTING THIS SUMMER!

Regular Season]]>
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR VOTING THIS SUMMER!

Regular Season]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=68039 Mon, 18 Sep 2006 11:07:46 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=68039

We already have a thread started.


]]>

We already have a thread started.


]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=67752 Tue, 05 Sep 2006 21:41:06 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=67752 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=67596 Thu, 31 Aug 2006 13:38:21 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=67596
Can't friggin' wait.

Time.....going....soooooo......sloooooow]]>
Can't friggin' wait.

Time.....going....soooooo......sloooooow]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=65897 Tue, 23 May 2006 05:01:12 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=65897
http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Sports/2006052214]]>
http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Sports/2006052214]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=64103 Sun, 26 Mar 2006 17:29:14 -0600 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=64103
http://www.ay-ziggy-zoomba.com/phpBB2/vi...41709ac1f3]]>
http://www.ay-ziggy-zoomba.com/phpBB2/vi...41709ac1f3]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=60226 Tue, 13 Dec 2005 08:49:21 -0600 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=60226
Link]]>
Link]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=59574 Thu, 17 Nov 2005 09:10:29 -0600 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=59574

i challenge each and everyone of you to join me between the puskar center and caperton indoor practice facility behind the stadium at 5:40 pm

coach rod and the team needs your support. it is time to start a new tradition at mountaineer field and if enough people keep doing it, it will grow larger. come out at 540pm and greet the team as they step off of their buses. this happened for the lville, and va tech games..the players love it it gets them even more pumped up and ready to play this game.

all of the big schools have a walk...it's time for the mountaineers to have a march

there will also be a pepband on hand as well to help greet the team..

lets line the street with wvu fans and show our boys we have their backs in this game]]>

i challenge each and everyone of you to join me between the puskar center and caperton indoor practice facility behind the stadium at 5:40 pm

coach rod and the team needs your support. it is time to start a new tradition at mountaineer field and if enough people keep doing it, it will grow larger. come out at 540pm and greet the team as they step off of their buses. this happened for the lville, and va tech games..the players love it it gets them even more pumped up and ready to play this game.

all of the big schools have a walk...it's time for the mountaineers to have a march

there will also be a pepband on hand as well to help greet the team..

lets line the street with wvu fans and show our boys we have their backs in this game]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=59547 Wed, 16 Nov 2005 09:17:21 -0600 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=59547

:stupid:]]>

:stupid:]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=59106 Fri, 28 Oct 2005 18:09:44 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=59106
Mountaineers!!!]]>
Mountaineers!!!]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=50704 Thu, 08 Sep 2005 12:58:42 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=50704
hey--the next few weekends we are trying to get donations together for Katrina victims--we have poker tournaments going on during this month at
http://www.winningpokeronline.com all you have to do on each weekend is log in and play any table-- money is tracked through the site above and 33% of the take will be donated--so if you have time, help out. later joe
ps spread the word if you can]]>
hey--the next few weekends we are trying to get donations together for Katrina victims--we have poker tournaments going on during this month at
http://www.winningpokeronline.com all you have to do on each weekend is log in and play any table-- money is tracked through the site above and 33% of the take will be donated--so if you have time, help out. later joe
ps spread the word if you can]]> http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=51797 Wed, 20 Jul 2005 18:12:07 -0500 http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=51797